Our Donor Stories - John Wheeler, MD

Helping Others: His Priority

For more than 40 years, John Wheeler, MD, DMD, a graduate of Albany Medical College, has been tirelessly treating Vermonters in need of reconstructive surgery. The Rutland-based plastic surgeon, Class of 1969, was known for his willingness to go to the bedside of patients in emergency rooms throughout southern Vermont any time, day or night.

Now, in retirement, he has turned to helping future physicians.

John Wheeler, MD, '69, DMD supports Albany Med because he wants "today's students to experience what I had the privilege of doing these past many years".

Dr. Wheeler recently celebrated his 45th graduation by endowing a scholarship at Albany Medical College with a blended gift of income and retirement assets.

“Albany Medical College provided me with a solid foundation which led to a successful career in medicine. I want today’s students to experience what I had the privilege of doing these past many years," he said.

“I know it can be tough to afford medical school and to take on its rigorous schedule. It is certainly worth it, and I am eager to help,” continued Dr. Wheeler, also a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry.

The first plastic surgeon in southern Vermont, he followed in the footsteps of his father, who was that area’s first trained general surgeon, practicing there for 50 years.

Dr. Wheeler said he was eager to make a gift to the Medical College, and it was easy. He worked through his investment advisor to create the scholarship by combining an outright gift with a rollover from his individual retirement account.

On a tour of Albany Med during his 45th Albany Medical College reunion weekend, Dr. Wheeler knew he did the right thing. “The school and training programs are just as excellent as I remembered -- and even better. I was very impressed with the new Patient Pavilion. My gift will help students for years to come. I hope others will consider the idea as well.”